Lina Elizabeth Russ and Dorlin Michelle Russ

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Lina Elizabeth Russ on 7 February, 2023, at the age of 87. Lina was born on 14 August, 1935, in Norwood, North Carolina. She was the first-born child of Joseph Amos Hughey and Dora Mae Hughey (formerly Rush). Lina spent her early years enjoying art, athletics, reading and history. She also enjoyed cooking which came in handy when she became the big sister to her three siblings (Joseph, William, and Joyce). She took great pride in deeply loving her entire family and cherished their reciprocal love. During her childhood, Lina's entire family moved from North Carolina to Alexandria, Virginia, where her father, an engineer, landed a job at the Torpedo Factory, overseeing torpedo production in support the war effort. After high school, Lina attended Howard University, in nearby Washington, D.C., and later met and married Nathaniel Russ, a recent transplant from Winter Haven, Florida. Nathaniel was attending the D.C. Teacher's College located across the street from Howard University. Lina and Nathaniel began their family with Dorlin Michelle Russ, born on 27 November, 1958. Dorlin was followed by Natalie Beatrice Russ, Mark Nathaniel Russ, and David William Russ. Lina continued her education while she raised her four young children. She returned to Howard attending in a part-time status until her children were of school age. She also became a part-time teacher at Takoma Elementary juggling her studies and family life. After receiving her undergraduate degree from Howard, she began to teach full time at Alice Deal Junior High School, located in Washington, D.C. Lina loved to educate children and also enjoyed some of the perks of being an esteemed member of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) where she was designated an honors member. As a NSTA science/biology teacher, Lina received advanced training at the University of California/Berkley and at Temple University. Lina also traveled to Florida, at the invitation of NASA, to view a space shuttle launch and traveled dozens of times throughout the country for professional enrichment events and training.

Lina was an avid reader with a scientific mind. She was a member of countless zoological, biological, scientific and philanthropic organizations. She loved all types of books and enjoyed telling stories to her grandchildren. Lina lost her husband Nathaniel in 1995. Lina is survived by her sister Joyce Goche’ Grimes, brother William Dewitt Hughey, daughter Natalie Russ-Green, and sons Mark Nathaniel Russ and David William Russ. She is also survived by her daughter-in law Anne Russ and four grandchildren Carmen, Joseph, Nicholas and Chase. She will be sorely missed.

Dorlin Michelle Russ tragically passed on 7 February 2023, at the age of 64. Dorlin was born on 27 November 1958 in Washington D.C. Dorlin enjoyed a playful, loving early childhood being the first child, grandchild and niece for her growing and mostly local family.

Dorlin was named after her mother Lina and her grandmother Dora. Dorlin was not the first to have the name as there was a great-great grandmother who shared the same name. In her youth, Dorlin loved to play with her stuffed animals and dolls. She was regularly spoiled by her aunt, uncles and cousins and was well-dressed for any occasion. As time went on, Dorlin became the unofficial babysitter for her growing family. Later in life, Dorlin would regularly remind her siblings that she was the oldest and take full control of any situation. Dorlin attended Takoma Elementary School, Paul Junior High School and Wilson Senior High School where she regularly participated in her High School reunions. Dorlin initially attended Bowie State College and later transferred to The University of the District of Columbia where she graduated with an undergraduate degree in Communications. Dorlin worked as a social worker for Washington D.C. Government, in retail for many years, and later became a teaching assistant with the Washington D.C. Public Schools. Dorlin was a dedicated employee and gave her all in supporting children with special needs. Dorlin would recount her days at work and would describe troubling encounters with the most carefree disposition. She truly loved her students regardless of their disabilities. Dorlin had an excellent memory and would often quiz her family members on important dates and historical facts. Dorlin loved to dance and loved her fashion. She was quick to compliment people when they deserved it and would downplay bad fashion when she saw it. Dorlin loved her soap operas, popular movies as well as several popular television series. Later in life, Dorlin served as her mother Lina's primary caregiver assisting her on a continuous basis. Dorlin is survived by a host of relatives, including her sister Natalie Russ-Green, and two brothers Mark Nathaniel Russ and David William Russ.